In a riveting match between the Blackhawks and Avalanche, the first period ended in a 2-2 tie. The Blackhawks took an early lead with a goal from Donato, thanks to an excellent pass from Bedard to Zaitsev. Despite the Blackhawks' lead, the Avalanche dominated the first break, leading 4-1 in shots and maintaining control in the offensive zone. However, the Blackhawks' goalie, Mrazek, kept the Avalanche at bay. The Avalanche quickly tied the game with a power play goal from Nichushkin, who later scored another power play goal, putting the Avalanche in the lead. The Blackhawks quickly responded with a goal from Reichel, set up by Bedard, tying the game once again. Bedard ended the period with two assists. The Avalanche led in shot attempts (15-26), shots on goal (8-12), and scoring chances (5-12), but the Blackhawks managed to keep pace.
1st intermission: Blackhawks 2, Avalanche 2 All sorts of things going on tonight, but Bedard is keeping pace with Colorado so far. Shot attempts: 15-26 COL Shots on goal: 8-12 COL Scoring chances: 5-12 COL
After just one period: Nichuskin 2G MacKinnon 1A Rantanen 1A Malinski 1A Drouin 1A Donato 1G 1A Reichel 1G Bedard 2A Zaitsev 1A #Avs #GoAvsGo #Blackhawks @TheRinkOfficial @TheRinkColorado
The Blackhawks and Avalanche are tied 2-2 after one period. Avs up 12-8 in shots on goal.
Connor Bedard still doesn't have a shot attempt against the #Avs this season, but he now has two assists in this period. And the Hawks have scored on two of their first three shots on net. 2-2
Lukas Reichel finds twine off Bedard's pass on the rush, quickly tying it back up at 2! #Blackhawks https://t.co/TobMhOBOfO
Reichel rushes up on the 2vs1 with Bedard and they even it up.... again #Avs #GoAvsGo #Blackhawks @TheRinkOfficial @TheRinkColorado
Bedard with the unselfish play to set up Reichel with a great look on a 2-on-1. Reichel obviously needed that one.
Val Nichushkin again! Second goal of the period for Nichushkin, putting Colorado up 2-1! #GoAvsGo https://t.co/9wWBxkYlqt
GOAL, Blackhawks. Tied 2-2. Bedard to Reichel on the 2-on-1, and Reichel buries it. He's fired up.
Nichushkin again, in front on the power play, again. 2-1 #Avs Back-to-back games with multiple PPGs for the first time all season.
Another Avalanche power play goal and it's 2-1.
Val Nichushkin gets open at the top of the crease and tallies on the power play, tying it up quickly for the Avs! #GoAvsGo https://t.co/oPsmLu8pOU
Nichushkin doesn't wait long to strike back with the goal from the slot on the PP and ties it back it up with the help of MacKinnon #Avs #GoAvsGo #Blackhawks @TheRinkOfficial @TheRinkColorado
GOAL, Avalanche. Tied 1-1. Nichushkin PPG almost immediately. Kaiser wasn't able to block the centering pass. https://t.co/gsnT0Muzu1
Bedard draws Malinski down into the corner and passes it up to Zaitsev for the shot on goal. Donato takes care of business down low #Avs #GoAvsGo #Blackhawks @TheRinkOfficial @TheRinkColorado
Bedard draws Malinski down into the corner and passes it up to Zaitsev for the shot on goa. Donato takes care of business down low #Avs #GoAvsGo #Blackhawks @TheRinkOfficial @TheRinkColorado
Bedard with a defensive play to keep the puck in the zone. He feeds Zaitsev as he enters the play. Donato finishes Zaitsev's rebound. Blackhawks 1-0.
GOAL, Blackhawks. 1-0 lead. Bedard with an amazing pass to Zaitsev, who hits the post but Donato cleans up the rebound.
At the first break its all Avs so far with COL leading in shots 4-1 and keeping the puck in the offensive zone. Thank Mrazek for no goals so far #Avs #GoAvsGo #Blackhawks @TheRinkOfficial @TheRinkColorado
Mrazek takes the gamble and stops the breakaway by Drouin 😳#Avs #GoAvsGo #Blackhawks @TheRinkOfficial @TheRinkColorado